The Spinel is the latest stone to become part of the list of birthstones. In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association included the Spinel as the birthstone of August.

In antiquity, Spinels have been owned by kings, princes and emperors; have served to fund battles, people have been killed for them, and they have been used as war booty.

As a result of all these fabulous stories, Spinels have adorned the most beautiful crowns that can be found today in the best museums around the world, although under another name: Ruby ​​(an example is the Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a red Spinel).

In recent years the gray spinel are being used for engagement rings, the mount being made with a dark spinel, surrounded by a halo of diamonds.

We took several photos:We take photos with daylight (no lightbox and no extra lighting at all).And we take photos and videos on mirrors in a light box with extra lighting (this kind of photos clearly show the quality of the cut and the clarity of the gem).

Spinel Gemstone is often cut into cushion shapes because of its octahedron crystalline habit. Oval, rounds and emerald shapes are very frequent. Some spinels are a perfect octahedra, in Burma is said to these spinels have been polished by the spirits, these pieces are mounted without cutting.Spinel is cuted trying to maximize the weight retention of the rough.Spinel is available in large sizes, but finest Red, Pink and Blue Spinels over 5 ct are rare and much appreciated.CLARITY & INCLUSIONSRed and Pink Spinels will show eye-visible inclusions, while generally are more cleaner than Ruby.Typical inclusions: The main inclusions in Spinel Gemstones are healed fractures, solid inclusiones (apatite crystals are very common), boehmite tubes, fingerprinted (groups of Spinel octahedrons), octahedral negative crystals, fractures filled of iron oxides.

Setting aside translucent and opaque gemstones, the first classification to take into account is:

Type 1: Stones that are often inclusion free

Type 2: Stones that are usually included

Type 3: Stones that are almost always included

CLARITY GRADES:EYE CLEAN: Appears clean to the unaided eye. (Type 1, 2 and 3)SLIGHTLY INCLUDED: Type 1: Minute inclusions difficult to see with the unaided eye. Type 2: Minor inclusions easy to see with the unaided eye. Type 3: Noticeable inclusions apparent to the unaided eye.MODERATELY INCLUDED: Type 1: Minor inclusions somewhat easy to see with the unaided eye. Type 2: Noticeable inclusions apparent to the unaided eye. Type 3:Obvious inclusions very apparent to the unaided eye.HEAVILY included: prominent inclusions that have a negative effect on appearance or durability.SEVERELY INCLUDED: prominent inclusions that have a severe effect on appearance or durability or both. (Type 1, 2 and 3).

NOTE

All our gemstones have been analyzed by a qualified gemologist. Each precious stone comes with a gemological certificate to guarantee its authenticity, as well as describing its unique characteristics.Pictures in this website might not reflect the intensity and brightness of the real color of the gemstone. Additionally, the pictures might not properly represent the real size of the gem (provided in millimeters). Do not hesitate in requesting more graphic documentation of the precious stone for any clarifications. This will be provided shortly to accommodate your needs. The photographs of the inclusions, if any, are a distinctive sign NATURAL origin.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about this gemstone, CONTACT US and we will respond as son as possible.